Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery: Advanced Minimally Invasive Ear Care A persistent feeling of fullness in one ear, fluctuating hearing loss, or a deep, dull earache can easily be mistaken for a standard Eustachian tube dysfunction or stubborn middle ear fluid. However, when these symptoms persist despite routine medical treatment, a closer clinical examination may reveal a dark, bluish discolouration glowing behind the eardrum. In many cases, this distinct visual sign points to a Cholesterol Granuloma —an inflammatory, fluid-filled cystic lesion packed with cholesterol crystals. While hearing the term "granuloma" can cause immediate anxiety, these lesions are non-cancerous, benign formations. Historically, accessing and draining a cholesterol granuloma required large incisions behind the ear and extensive bone removal (a mastoidectomy). Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to access and drain these lesions using minimally invasive...
Why Does My Child Keep Asking for the Volume Louder? A Parent’s Guide to Hearing Concerns Many parents first notice a possible hearing problem in a very ordinary way: the television is too loud. Your child may keep turning up the TV, tablet or music. They may ask for films to be louder, hold devices close, say “what?” repeatedly, or seem not to hear when called from another room. It is easy to assume this is behaviour, a preference, or a habit. Sometimes it is. But in some children, asking for louder volume can be an early sign that they are not hearing clearly. Mr Gaurav Kumar, Consultant ENT Surgeon , assesses children with ear, hearing, and paediatric ENT concerns from London, East London, Brentwood, Romford, Ilford, Redbridge, Chelmsford, and the wider Essex area. This guide explains why children may keep asking for the volume to be louder, when a hearing assessment is sensible, and what parents can do at home and at school. Is Loud Volume Always a Sign of Hearing Loss? No. S...